MR WARD'S RESIGNATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 140, 15 June 1896, Page 2

MR WARD'S RESIGNATION.

SUPPOSED TO BE IN MR SEDDOFS POCKET.

ATTITUDE OF MINISTERIALISTS,

PROBABLE NO-CONFIDENCE

MOTION.

Wellington, This Day. Immediately after his arrival yesterday Mr Ward repaired to tbe Premier's residence, Molesworth-street, and remained there the whole day and till night was well advanced, lb is stated to-day on apparently good authority that Mr Seddon has his colleague's resignation in his pocket, but that it will not be announced till the decision of Mr Justice Williams in the J. G. Ward Farmers' Co-operative Association case is given. Some Jhalf dozen Ministerialists, who have intimated to the Premier that Mr Ward's retirement from office must be brought abont if their allegiance is to be continued, have stated their intention oi remaining away from the caucus. One strong current is that Mr Ward will make a statement in tbe House as to the reasons for his resignation as a Miuister of the Crown, and from the Oppositoin side it. is said that unless tbe resignation be announced before the House meets bo-morrow afternoon Capt. Russell will et once table an adverse resolution traversing the construction of the Ministry generally, but whioh will of course have reference to the Treasurer.

It is an open secret that Mr Seddon and Mr John McKenzie wished to stand loyal to Mr Ward, and that it was only iv deference to the wishes of supporters and to preserve the solidity of the party that the inevitable was accepted, for it was made patent to the leader of the Hotfsa that m this matter bis following wouldnot be whipped into line. Ministers profess to fear nothing from a complete investigation of tbeir connection with the Banking matters, and I learn from reliable authority that the proposal came from the Treasury Benohes for the appointment of a Seleot Committee to investigate Mr Ward's oonneotion therewith as a Minister of the Orown.

Members feel strongly that the position of certain prominent, officials in the Bank of New Zealand must also be considered, and provision in that dlreotion will be made within the order of reference of the proposed Committee. In this oonneotion it should be borne in mind that the President of the Bank of New Zealand was appointed "during good behaviour and efficiency," and that power is given to the Governor-in-Counoil to order his removal,